Max Verstappen out-qualifies Daniel Ricciardo to secure a career-best third place on the grid for the British Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has set his sights on a second consecutive podium in the British Grand Prix after notching up another minor landmark in his burgeoning career with a maiden top three qualifying result at Silverstone.

Though the Dutchman has impressed with his race performances since joining Red Bull Racing, not least last time out in Austria with a run to second from eighth on the grid, he himself had identified qualifying as an area to improve.

However, despite having his first lap in qualifying deleted over track limits - one of four drivers to suffer the fate in Q3 - he bounced back on his final effort to stop the clock at 1min 30.313secs, placing him third and ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, much to his delight.

"It's good to be in front," he said. "Every team-mate wants that. In terms [of it being] a boost I don't see the mental side in it. I just try to do my best and that's it. We go to the race and try to score a lot of points and get on the podium.

"In terms of learning the car, I'm definitely still improving but everybody is doing even though when you're jumping in in the season it's not easiest. But I think I have shown I can handle it quite well."

Though he doesn't believe he can match the Mercedes' on the front row, Verstappen is confident he can retain his position.

"I think if I keep my position I will be very happy because Mercedes are a bit too strong first but we'll try to keep up. Long run was good so hopefully we can do the same, even better in the race and score some good points for the team and catch up to Ferrari in the championship."